Teachers' union calls for consultation over pupil drug-test plan

The government should engage in serious talks with teaching staff before issuing guidelines on their proposals to implement random drug testing in schools, a leading teachers' union has said.

Last week, the Prime Minister revealed plans which offering school principals discretionary powers to carry out random drug tests in an effort to crack down on teenage drug abuse.

Responding to the Prime Minister's statement, Eamonn O'Kane, General Secretary of NASUWT, said this was a "radical proposal" which was likely to have "popular appeal". However, the principle and practice require careful consideration, he warned.

"NASUWT is concerned by reports that the government intends to issue guidelines to schools within a month," he said.

"Crucial questions about the legal framework in which the scheme would operate, the practicalities of the proposal and, most importantly, whether it is even an appropriate strategy for combating drug abuse have still to be answered.

"If it is confirmed that this is a serious proposal I will be calling for urgent talks with the government to discuss these issues."

However, opponents of the plans claim that the plans are impractical, unworkable and may also be in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights.

(gmcg)